We Are Not Currently Accepting Applications
We Do More Than Fight Fire
In addition to fighting fires, Durham firefighters provide emergency medical assistance to the citizens and visitors of Durham. We dutifully examine buildings for familiarization and to check for fire hazards. We invest hours in territorial studies — learning the best routes throughout the district. We regularly inspect and maintain the city’s fire hydrants to ensure that they are as ready for the next emergency as we are. We keep our stations clean and our apparatus ready to respond. Most importantly, we continuously train - drills, classes, independent study — whatever it takes.
We are committed to service excellence.
Eligibility Requirements
Must be at least 18 years old
Must have a high school diploma or GED
No felony convictions
No DWI convictions in the last four years
Valid driver’s license. (Must acquire NC license upon hiring)
Must be a permanent U.S. resident
Criminal history records check from the applicant’s local law enforcement agency of residence for the past seven years
Driver’s history printout from the N.C. Department of Motor Vehicles (N.C. residents) or from the location(s) where applicant has resided covering the past seven years
Hiring Process
The hiring process consists of five components:
1. Complete a City of Durham Application. If submitting your application in person to the Human Resources Department, be sure to bring a second copy of the application with you so that Human Resources can date stamp the copy as verification of submission. You will need to retain this stamped copy as proof of your timely submission. Human Resources will not make a copy to provide verification. You must bring two copies with you, one to submit and one to retain. If submitting your application online, retain your Sent email as verification as well as the 'Acknowledgement and Information' email you will receive as confirmation that your application has been received. (Please note: applications go to the Human Resources Department located in City Hall and not Fire Administration)
3. Written Exam
4. Physical Agility Test
5. Oral Review Board (Interview)
Orientation Session/Agility Test Demonstration
This is optional. Attendance is highly recommended as you will be provided with valuable information and the opportunity to ask questions.
Written Exam
No firefighting related questions appear on this test. You will need to score a 70 or above to successfully complete the test or you will be disqualified from the remainder of the hiring process. Specifically, the test covers:
Logical and Mathematical Reasoning Ability
Mechanical Aptitude
Reading Comprehension
Situational Judgment
Spatial Sense
Vocabulary
A civil service exam study guide is a great place to start your preparations. We also recommend you try a firefighter
entry-level exam study guide.
Physical Agility Test
You will be required to demonstrate flexibility.
You will be required to, while wearing a 50 pound weighted vest, couple two 2.5 inch fire hoses to a master stream device, then climb four flights of stairs and hoist, through a window, a 50 foot section of 2.5 inch fire hose with a nozzle attached. You will need to complete this task in 70 seconds or less.
You will then complete a ladder lift as well as climb the ladder to demonstrate comfort with heights.
You will then be required to complete a confined space maze with your face completely covered.
This will be timed.
You will be required to drag a rescue mannequin weighing 165 lbs. for 100 feet.
Finally, you will be required to run 1.5 miles in a limited period of time. Specific time parameters are based on age and gender. This information will be provided to you during the orientation session.
If you are unable to successfully complete any portion of the agility test within the specified time frames, you will be disqualified from the remainder of the hiring process.
The agility test and written exam will be performed on the same day. Be prepared to take your agility test first, then your written exam. The agility test requires that you wear athletic shoes and exercise clothing.
Oral Review Board
Candidates who meet minimum eligibility requirements, then successfully complete both the written exam and the physical agility test will be asked to report for an interview. Review panels generally consist of three individuals who will ask the candidates several questions and review their responses.
Background Investigation
A background investigation will be conducted for all candidates being considered for hire after the completion of the oral review board. A background investigation includes, but is not limited to, verification of job performance at previous places of employment, as well as a criminal background check, and a review of the applicant’s driving record.
Positions will be offered contingent on the results of a physical exam/health screening, audio/visual test, and drug/alcohol test.
Schedule, Salary, Benefits
The Durham Fire Department has a 24-hour day, rotating shift schedule. The report time is 7 a.m. and you will work one 24 hour period and rest one 24 hour period until you have worked a total of five days. Then you will rest for six consecutive days. So, for example, you might:
Report 7 a.m. Monday — Exit 7 a.m. Tuesday
Rest Tuesday
Report 7 a.m. Wednesday — Exit 7 a.m. Thursday
Rest Thursday
Report 7 a.m. Friday — Exit 7 a.m. Saturday
Rest Saturday
Report 7 a.m. Sunday — Exit 7 a.m. Monday
Rest Monday
Report 7 a.m. Tuesday — Exit 7 a.m. Wednesday
Rest Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday
Report 7 a.m. Tuesday — Exit 7 a.m. Wednesday
Starting Salary: $33,000
Bilingual Incentive: $1,000 annual bonus paid to those fluent in Spanish or sign language. (Contingent on passing a fluency exam)
Education Incentives: 2.5 percent for associate degree or 5 percent for bachelor degree.
Benefits Include:
Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Affordable Family Add-on
Specialty Insurance Options (e.g. short term disability, etc.)
401 K/ 457 - 4 to 9 percent Employer Contribution
Local Government Retirement Pension